11 Best 3D VR Headsets in 2018

Virtual reality (VR) headsets are glasses that block all ambient light and show images on a screen in high definition. VR headsets are used in gaming, movie-watching, advanced healthcare, live streaming of events, virtual tourism, and crime scene reconstruction. Their price range varies from about $15 to approximately $800. As VR headsets start to appear on store shelves, the search for the best 3D VR headset also begins. This article lists 11 of the best 3D VR headsets in 2018, based on their design, compatibility, usability, price, and user ratings.

11 Best 3D VR Headsets in 2018

VR has finally taken off. Here is a comparison of 5 of the most promising 3D headsets in 2018, across different price ranges and usability spectrums. Read on to find the best 3D VR headset for you.

11. Google Cardboard VR Headset

The Google Cardboard VR headset fits with 4 to 6-inch (both Android and iOS) phones. Without spending much, users can explore YouTube 360-degree VR videos, games, travel locations, and other exciting content on Google Play Store by putting a smartphone into the headset. It has high-quality, custom-designed lenses laminated for durability.

Cardboard can cause a little discomfort, and needs an additional headband to strap it around the head. However, the headset is lightweight and fits over glasses. Overall, it’s one of the best VR headsets for beginners, since it doesn’t cost much.

10. Xiaomi VR Play 2 3D Virtual Reality Glasses

The Xiaomi VR headset is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones. The screen clarity is delivered by the high-quality aspherical lens, and the cabin where you have to place your phone is quite large, helping with heat dissipation. The fabric is also breathable, and the pores in the inside foam keep your face ventilated and comfortable. Moreover, they ensure there will be no light leak.

We also enjoy the design of this particular headset, because it looks more fashionable than most. It has two zippers, it is made of a qualitative Lycra material, and it is quite durable, so it will last for a long time.

9. Mattel View-Master Deluxe VR Viewer

Built on top of Google’s Cardboard technology, this VR viewer for kids has a headphone connector for immersive listening, a broader field of view, and a focus wheel for focal adjustment without wearing glasses. It is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones.

The headset comes with a Preview Reel for sample VR apps like National Geographic Wildlife, Discovery Underwater, Space, Destinations, among other apps on travel and gaming. A drawback is that it doesn’t have head straps, so you’ll have to buy one separately if you don’t want to just hold the glasses with your hands.

8. Pasonomi 3D VR Glasses

The Pasonomi VR headset is compatible with most iOS and Android phones of 4.5-inch to 6-inch screen size. Focal distance and object distance are adjustable. It offers a 720 x 1080 resolution. Lightweight, it has an ergonomic head belt design. It also includes support for earphones.

The design of this headset is extremely comfortable, with a sponge area that allows you to wear the glasses for long periods of time. For some VR experiences, it requires a controller (purchased separately). Users can find apps for this headset on the Play Store and App Store to explore the virtual world.

7. VR Empire 3D VR Headset

The VR Empire 3D VR headset is compatible with most iOS and Android smartphones of 4-inch to 6-inch screen sizes. It has a field of view of 120 degrees. The device provides focal adjustment. It has an auto-positioning middle line. The headset also features a wireless remote control for immersive viewing.

Users can take advantage of the integrated audio system by plugging in their earphones. The anti-blue light lenses will block blue radiations from smartphones. It works with most apps available on the Play Store and App Store. This headset is extremely easy to set up. All you have to do is follow 3 easy steps. It comes with a Bluetooth remote control as well.

6. Pansonite Premium 3D VR Glasses

An affordable yet qualitative VR headset, the Pansonite Premium 3D glasses offer easy focal distance and object distance adjustment. You can adjust each lens individually, so if you have different shortsightedness, you can still use these glasses. The lenses also ensure you don’t get dizzy when using the glasses, or experience eyestrain.

The headset is lightweight and comfortable to wear, made of a high-quality material that is skin-friendly. The front cover is removable, providing fast heat dissipation, so your phone won’t overheat while you watch movies or play games. The T-shaped straps make the headset even more comfortable, since they reduce the pressure around your face, eyes, and head.

5. Google OEM Daydream View Headset

This lightweight, durable headset comes with a Bluetooth motion controller to play games and navigate content, all of which is available on the Play Store. The Daydream app lets the user teleport anywhere: from swimming with dolphins to speeding down the racetrack. The device is compatible with most Android smartphones.

It is very comfortable, due to the breathable fabric and the washable face pad. Users suggest this as the best 3D VR headset for Android phones. Google Daydream has a field of view of 90 degrees. It can be a bit more expensive than other VR headsets, but it is definitely cheaper than the next entries on our list of best 3D VR headsets.

4. Sony PlayStation VR Headset

The Sony Playstation VR headset has a 5.7-inch, 1920 x 1080 OLED display, and 3D audio technology. The device requires a PlayStation camera (sold separately) to work with PlayStation 4. LEDs around the DualShock 4 wireless controller keep track of the user’s movement in virtual space. The refresh rate is of 90 Hz to 120 Hz, and uses reprojection technology.

This is the best headset for gamers who want to jump into high-quality level gaming. Naturally, the price point of this headset is also high, so it is definitely an investment. However, the reviews for this headset are mostly positive, and many customers are extremely satisfied with their purchase.

3. Samsung Gear VR Headset

Having a field of view of 101 degrees, the Samsung Gear VR headset offers complete 360-degree immersion. The features it offers allow users to do things collectively in VR: watch a movie with friends or play a game in the virtual world. The device provides integration with Samsung Gear 360, so the users can create their content.

Powered by Oculus, this no.3 best 3D VR headset comes with a handheld controller to explore VR with natural movements. It’s a tethered headset, offering USB type C support, and works with Galaxy phones (even old Galaxy devices that have micro USB).

2. Oculus Rift Headset

Oculus Rift is a tethered headset with an integrated sound system to give the user a complete feeling of audio immersion. The user can also plug in their earphones. Our second best 3D VR headset offers IR LED real-time tracking using Oculus Sensor. Users can play a broad range of games, due to the Xbox One controller included in the package.

You can buy the Oculus Touch separate, which is a pair of controllers that allow the user to use their hands in the virtual world (optional). The headset has minimum PC and GPU requirements of Intel i3-6100 and Nvidia GTX 960, respectively. This is, by far, one of the most expensive VR headsets on the market.

1. HTC Vive Virtual Reality System

The HTC Vive headset provides real-time tracking when the user plays games. It offers focal adjustments like IPD and lens distance. The headset also has an adjustable head strap, and fits over glasses. Users highly recommend this one as the best 3D VR headset for gaming.

It requires Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, or later. CPU and GPU minimum requirements are Intel Core i5 or AMD FX 8350, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, or AMD Radeon RX 480, respectively. The Deluxe Audio Strap (sold separately) is also needed for sound immersion. While this is definitely an investment, it is definitely worth its money.

Conclusion

From a VR headset that works with a smartphone and won’t cost more than $15, to the most powerful ones on the market, this list has a best 3D VR headset for everyone. Read about these products, and share your thoughts on the best 3D VR headset out there. We want to know what you think!